SPAC show is not over yet but by looking at the list so far .. Hartford has a decent shot at a few gems: Eyes, Dew, Shakedown, Golden Road, New Potato, Unbroken Chain, WRS, .. the cool thing about it is you could make a great list everynight. They have done about ~170 different songs this tour so far

yeah,tons of stuff being played, looks like this leaves a typical Hartford show. maybe Help>Slip>Franklin's, Shakedown, Scarlet>Fire, still psyched for the show.. is Warren's set being played during the set break?

Hey all, I saw last years Hartford show and it was decent with second set better. They opened second set with a monster Feel like a stranger that was all JIMMY. Then a Hard to handle and scarlet. Can't remember which order for those two. Anyways security here is much better than Boston. They won't hassle as much. Also because its a weekday, there will be less people likely so it should be less cramped then SPAC, Boston Sat. night, and hassle free. Music should be jamming. Parking lots leave I bit of a walk however so be ready for that. Can't wait....peace.

Hey all, if the ticket says 8:00 starting time then they should be on around 8:15 but be careful, they have been running quick the last few shows. I would be in and around my seat or spot at 8:00 and put in a few minutes wait for them. Better then being somewhere out in the lot while they take the stage. Shakedown street!!!!!.............peace.

So far looks like a great show. Personally IMO SPAC is going to be a hard show to beat. I still have the chills thinking back on it. What a great time it was. They are playing with an intensity that is just incredible. Really wanted to hear a Loser and of course they play it the night I skip. Anybody know how any of the leads in Loser were? I miss a ripping lead guitar in that song. When RatDog plays it Mark Karan falls real short (IMO) of real guitar work in that song and a sax playing a guitar lead just doesn't do it for me. By the way, did anyone see the little kid dancing and ripping it up at SPAC the other night? He was real young maybe between 9 & 11 years old at the most. This kid was the absolute mac! Dancing like a madman, knew every word to every song. He was up on the pavement on the right-hand side, looked totally SPUN! He was macin' on the hottest mama that all these guys were staring at (too afraid to talk to her) and she was diggin' him! My girl and he was singing and shakin' their bones together during St. Stephen. This kid was the coolest little dude I've ever seen at a show. No parents, just on his own and loving it! If you saw him you'd just been amazed. I've seen alot of little kids at shows but this little bro was the king!

>>>>>>Great, great song selection. I'll leave it to thosw who are there to provide the specifics, but that's special.

Ok, will do.......

First a few quick observations on the band & then onto the show.

Actually first, as you may have suspected in the past few days by my posts, I was there - no, I'm not returning to the Zone. I just wanted to see what was happening before I went & couldn't help a few posts. Now, I'll do my review & ride off into the sunset to care for my ten year old daughter recovering from her first of 2 hip reconstructions due to the same nerve disease I have & Paul, my 7 year old with autism.....

So, Mrs B & I were just looking for a night out, no need for an 'eargasm', just some relaxation - or so Keyshawn & I told ourselves.....

BUT, being longtime addicts of the GD makes it hard to overcome the addiction.

I'm looking up seats for Scranton on Monday. High expectations after the first set. Crushed after the, well, I'll get to that later.

So, where was I?

Oh, a few observations:

The band IS good; much better than last year.

SideshowBob is dead on with his assement of the time constraint problems. Key called & got the EXACT time schedule. The band was 20 minutes late coming out, 30 minutes late for the 2nd set & played 30 minutes past curfew, but obviously rushed 3 crucial songs, basically ruining them.

The band struck me as 'PLQ meets The Grateful Dead Nostalgia Trip Minus a Keyboard Player'

Jeff casn't hold a candle (correct term?) to Rob & was a virtual non-entity all night except for a few brief but well played passages I could easily count on one hand, even Jerry's hand with the missing finger.

Was Phil there? Oh, yeah, he sang Box of Rain........

Now onto the show:

I liked it overall, nothing overly special - could've been - but possible greatness petered out & left me empty as the band limped home.

hey all, back from Harford. Great show again! A quick jam and right into Hard to handle which brought back memories cause they played this last year in Hartford second set. Decent version then Till the Morning which ripped in my opinion. Warren and Jimmy have really gelled as far as trading of solos and its getting awesome watching this. Bob stepped up and finally did Loser and it was a spacey version I thought. Self defense which by now I'm all set with. But then the Alligator and Mr. Charlie was awesome. This combo was probably the set highlight for me with Warren and Jimmy trading lead. Weather report was nice and spacey and the Let it grow was good but not over the top as I have seen it before. Decent though. The set closer Deal was just nice to hear because I don't think I have heard it since PLQ did it second set in Connecticut last tour. It was a decent version but I can't help remembering Jerry on this song and it seems like they can't quite get it back "there". Anyways I had a feeling shakedown was coming today and I thought they would open the show with it. But when they didn't I never lost the feeling that it was coming and a couple of us were talking about it right before the second set began and then after a short jam BANG, and all we could do was smile. Nice, full on version. Plenty of jamming by the string section. Solid Shakedown Street. Ramble on Rose was also kinda unexpected but very good (except for the poor girl who got her faced wacked by some guy in the middle of it). Easy Wind and Low Sparks followed and were nice, especially the Easy Wind. Warren has had quite a tour. So much for the doubters. Bob's good lovin was good. Not the best I ever heard but decent. After average d/s Wharf Rat smoked in my opinion and I am glad Warren replaced Joan on these songs. Warren is more than holding his own on Jerry's slow songs. Then set two kicked into a higher gear as Phil did a slammin Box of Rain that was right on but the biggest surprise of the night I thought was Bob pulling GLORIA out of his bag. And it really smoked. Then, yes, encore the first few strands of eyes and I was like yaaaa, EYES. Nice version too, not rushed being an encore but nicely jammed. Eyes slowed down to a virtual stand still and when I saw nobody taking there guitars off I knew we were getting something else which was Warren doing 1000 stars. Cool version and way better than last summers 1000 stars with Joan (no offense to Joan). Anyways ya this was another great show in a great tour. Tomorrow down to penn.....peace

Why do so many people feel the need to post the setlist? Isn't one enough?

OK, If they did a 'jam' to open, it was a minute or 1:30 before it was clearly Hard To Handle. I'm not a blues guy, but I figured it was one of those bluse themed shows & that meant Viola & He's Gone, both long overdue, and depite being basically correct about the blues thing, both are still overdue. Hard To Handle was very good however, very crisp, with a intense part in the beginning of the jam, then taken down a bit lower & jammed out more. A 2nd instrumental was really shorter & nothing special, but a great start. Til the Morning Comes was about as long as it took me to type this & we were at Loser, which had a long instrumental, crisp playing by mostly Jimmy & I was waiting, thinking 'It's going to get more intense', but it never did. After all, it was just Loser.

BTW, the message of the 3 titles was not lost on me, but whatever, in one ear & out the other.

Next up, Some Mickey tune I never heard, couldn't understand a word he was singing, but he wasn't as loud or as grating as usual. Great jam though. Isn't that funny about Mickey songs? I'd mentioned in the lot as we listened to Mountian Jam from the very same venue exactly one year earlier to the day that "I hope Warren does some of those bird chirpie-like slide sounds tonight" (I heard him do it on 6-22-04) and he did it here. Good stuff.

Then we got the Alligator, OK. You know, after a few times, I gotta say "Big deal". 2 minutes, if that & it's over when they jam out of it. It was a good 2 minutes, but not over the top intense. Still, I'd much rather hear a too short Alligator than, say Dire Wolf or Ramble on Rose.......

A couple minutes go by & Mr Charlie, another blues song I can do without & again they tear it up & I must admit I'm pleased.

As they stop, I figure the set ends, but Bob puts on the acoustic (cowboy time?) & right into WRS. Decent with a little Warren on slide, but no biggie again to me. Sorry, but I place NO value on how often I've seen a song & it's not WRS prelude that makes this 'suite' a classic, it's LET IT GROW. They tore it up, the highlight of the show without any question.......

Now the set ends, right?

No, Deal first. Slow, but well played in the blues mode the Phil started way back when. Warren ripped a nice instrumental.

All in all, a very good set, raising my hopes that maybe, just maybe, we might get blown away in the 2nd set.......

Well, good takes better than bad, so this should be realatively short....

Now, they have me suck(er)ed in.......

I know what's been happening, 'cutting songs short due to time constraints' & I've seen the post drum setlists from hell (see Sat in Mass or Days Between > Throwing Stones > Nfa or He's Gone > No Jam > No jam Lovelight), but I'm hoping....... AND, they did just play an inspired set & Viola's a lock anyhow, right?

Sure.......

So, the did open the 2nd set witrh a jam, but it was going nowhere. Phil was banging loudly though,, but no direction. After a few minutes of this, Shakedown. Fast, decent length, they stayed wirthin the Shaekedown theme the whole time, so far, so good.

Ramble On Rose. Oh well, reminds me of when the real GD did it 24-25 years ago at a few of my first shows & I said "Why play THAT here?" even then.........

But, hey, so what, one song.

Then Easy Wind. Easier than the rancid farts the guy next to me (behind me?) was blowing the last 1/2 hour of the show...... Again, I could've cared less if I ever heard Easy Wind, but the tore it up with Warren on slide & I must admit I liked it.

Now, they stop. Playin? Lazy Lightning?

Nope, Low Spark. Excellent, I love this song, waited until last HFD show to finally see one. Well, I didn't love this one. One very short instrumental by Jimmy, NONE by Warren & within one minute, just as I'm waiting fot Warren's slide to start wailing, the band's playing Good Lovin'.......

WHAT THE %&$%!

Then, we get the cheesey Bobby GD version, I'm holding my breathe waiting for THE JAM like PLQ do & TOO did in 2002 (Pigpen ala 1971-72), & Bob finishes his extra order of cheese "Got to have Lovin" part, Phil goes into the 'Ba Ba Ba Ba Bump Ba Ba Ba Bump Ba Ba.....' part that leads into that great jam, but no jam straight into the drums...

WHAT THE %^$%!

By now, I'm starting to understand exactly what Sideshow is talking about. You may fing truncated, half finished songs due to time limits OK, but I don't. Play ONE song right instead of butchering two, boys......

Drums was short _thank God - but OK. Mickey did one cool thing on the beam similar to when a piano player sweeps his hands all the way down the keys quickly. This produced a very nice noise, leading into a very mediocre space, no noodles no hints of nothing, falling into a merdiocre Wharf Rat. The instrumentals were nothing special, just there, leading into a very poorly placed Box Of Rain that was well played followed by a high energy Gloria that was extremely short & devoid of any jamminmg at all.

I think the boys were trying to rush it to finish bvy 12:00 curfew, when they missed it, they were given to 12:30 to play, hence the double encore. Had they only know, they could've used the extra time earlier to play Low Spark & Good Lovin' right or put Eyes in the jam with Wharf Rat & Gloria.....

Eyes itself was good, the one time Jeff actually stood out, a good encore; 1000 Stars was perfunctory & just ther, a far cry from some (note SOME) P&F versions I've seen like 4-30-01.

Still, I left feling pretty let down after being picked that far up, which was a surprise to me.......

Wait until you hear from Key, I think you'll thik I'm being kind; maybe I'm mellowing - I didn't even put a cigar out in Tapergod's eye (of course I didn't see him - just kidding).

Would I go again to see this band? Yes. Would I miss the next local show this band plays? Yes.

About the only way I would definitely Make sure I'd see this band play is if they did NYE at MSG (with a 2:30AM curfew), otherwise, the risk ain't worth the investment to me.

Bucky stay away from here. I have been reading your negative fucking dribble for years. Talk about bad fucking energy man. You are one of the reasons I only lurked here for so long. You have just inspired me to be a better person because I would rather be dead then spew bad vibes like you do. Do you have any friends man? Even when you are trying to sound positive you are a downer.Total energy drainer.Holy shit!!!! what a fucking drag you are. yuk! The dead doesnt want assholes like you around.

If I have ever sounded remoteley like this asshole I apologize to everone on this board and I am going to make a concerted effort to be positive and nice. But not too nice.

BTW bucky I deal with some of the bitchiest girly faggots on earth and they dont hold a candle to you. Like a whiny fucking little girl. Youre a pussy. But once again thank you for showing me how not to behave. Disgusting

What the hell is wrong with you people? This is exactly why I stopeed posting in here a few years ago. Bucky gives a honest account of his night and you folks can't handle it. Not everyone sees God every night you know. I'd rather hear an honest account of someones so-so night then some blathering "it was all great man" post from someone who will accept anything these guys lay on the table and who thinks that Micky farting into a mike is high art. Thanks Bucky, I enjoyed your review.

You're right Mr. LessThan...last night was all about the Pig! BTW, that crazy driver after the show on eastbound I-84 near exits 15-9, flashing her lights & waving, was me. It was WONDERFUL to see you and the Lady GreaterThan last night. You both look awesome!!! To be continued

Big thanks to the kind folks of GDTS TOO for hookin' aly & I up with the best seats of our lives...front row, at the feet of Mr. Phil Lesh. Talk about being locked in...I don't think this smile will *ever* go away.

Last night was the stuff that dreams are made of. My heart is FULL & I have the boys to thank....again! Onward!

Its ridiculous the way some are treating this. So he is not "all praise". Its actually a more positive review then some others I have read by him.

>>You have just inspired me to be a better person

This isn't worth something to you, MikeW? By reading your follow-up post, it doesn't appear to have worked. You should focus that overly-critical finger a little more inward and see what is truly disgusting

You know why Tom ? because Bucky is the most self centered,pretentious, obnoxious, opinionated, negative punk I have ever had the misfortune to come in contact with. THATS WHY! And before he posts his negative bullshit he prefases it with with a sob story about his illness and his childrens ( god bless his kids ) in order to counter and critisim of his negativity. Thats why! I find it unsavory to say the least.

I know all about Bucky, I've been monitoring this site since it went up years ago. Sure, Bucky can be abrasive at times but IMO there was nothing in the review he posted here that deserved the kind of reaction you guys gave him. He didn't make any comments about other folks, he just gave an honest account of his night. I thought that was what this site was for.

I never liked the guy and I am done with this. Read between the lines tom.There are jabs left and right all under the guise of being "objective" He should at least be overtly negatiuve rather than pretend he is not. He is a miserable person obviously. Like you said negativity is why you stopped posting and negativity like Buckys is why I held off for years from posting. Specifically bucky and his ilks negativity.

The show was a real smoker. Excellent setlist, playing, etc......... The only song / placement I questioned was Good Lovin. But, hey, if's that's the worst faux pas they pulled all night, who cares? By the way, I still feel that this band has yet to put together a flawless performance start to finish, but this show was almost "just exactly perfect" as it was. Psyched for next week's shows: Camden, PNC, Jones Beach!

all i can say is what a first set!!! one of the highlights was the music to loser---thought i was back in the late seventies--it was that good...jimmys getting better each night i see him. love the way these guys can take it then down to almost were you think the song is done then they kick it back up...

If you have noticed lately I have changed my ways. And most of my negativity stemmed from ignorance on the part of some people here.I never excpected to be savaged by deadheads and I retaliated . When you meet me I am sure you will have a different opinion of me. I couldnt hold a candle to Buckys negativity

Great review Bucky. It's nice to read something from someone that really listens and pays attention to the music, rather than just saying every song was amazing because the setlist is so incredible. Of course, it's wonderful if some people can just love every note that comes off that stage, but it doesn't help me understand what the show was like one bit. I just got back from 3 shows - 2 Great Woods and SPAC - and could not believe how people are raving. They were very fun shows, a solid band and all, but every friggin' note was not pristine. Friday night at Great Woods they rushed through ChinaRider so fast it was just dumb, and nobody mentions it. Wheel was flat, not a lot of energy, and nobody says a word. There's no jam between ScarletFire, and nobody seems to care. Dark Star is reduced to 2 3-minute verses and people act like they played Dark Star. I just don't get it sometimes. I love this music, love going to the shows, but I have no problem pointing out the fact that sometimes they really fuck it up. Why do people get so offended when the flaws are exposed? We all know they suck some nights - why can't we talk about it without people telling us not to go to any more shows? Do they realize that some of us *enjoy* talking about the low points as much or more as the high ones? This is a great band for sure, but I think they tried to learn way too many tunes for one tour. Jeff is probably a good keyboard player, but they never turn him up enough to hear him, so who the hell really knows?

You can only go into that type of detail if you sit through an entire show. And I have no respect for those who do. 50% of the experience is dancing with your brothers and sisters sharing a joint with someone, meeting new friends, travelling from one place to another, seeing old friends, seeing the remaining members smiling from ear to ear,eating a nice chocolate, havoing a burrito and beer after the show. I try not to be too critical of my boys. But I will when absolutely neccesary. They are more consistently tight now the they could have dreamed of 90 to 95

i'm usually an optimist when i go to a show. i try to enjoy each song, faults and all, just being grateful that they are still playing. however, i don't have a problem with someone giving a negative review. everyone's got their own take. i believe it was a very constructive observation to suggest they play one jammed out tune in the 2nd set instead of two that were cut short.

You know what really cracks me up about all the reviews I read on here, is that folks seem to forget that all they are is one person's opinion, not fact, just opinion, and I'm happy for the folks who had a great time and sorry for the folks who didn't get transcended that eve. There's not a right or wrong folks when it comes to someone's opinion of a show.

I was lucky enough to get on the bus in the late 70's (thanks to a wonderful older neighbor) been seeing shows ever since and you know what I've been hearing the same arguements ever since then. Can't tell you how many shows I've left where the folks to the left of me are just raving about how fantastic a show it was while the folks on my right are bitching and moaning about lame setlist, too often repeated tunes, missed words, etc...... So whether it be the Grateful Dead of the 70, 80's or 90's or any of the incarnations that have followed, nothings changed, 25+ yrs of shows and still the same old arguements.

You'd think I'd be sick of it by now, but you know to me that just shows how the boys transcend 99.9% of the rest of the bands out there b/c for 3 decades they've been raising folks passions, be it for good or bad, they still get folks going.

Quick note: I agree that the band is "consistantly tighter" than '90-'95. There are definitely issues with time constraints but "gone are the days" that they can jam all night until 2 - 3 A.M. That being said, 12:30 is very liberal in today's Dead world. Unfortunately, they can not start a heck of a lot earlier, because it is hard enough to get into the show on time as is. Maybe the band would rather play one more song instead of jam out on the last song. Maybe this is because who knows if they will be back in "town" again. Set list looks pretty impressive, but there is no perfect show. If there was a perfect show, what would be the point of going to any other show?

Although, I think Bucky can be overly critical and act like a bitter old man at times, that review didn't seem out of line at all. He gave praise where praise was due, and expressed exactly where the weakpoints where (all shows have them).

With the feedback his posts to this thread have gotten, you'd think he was speaking his views on abortion.

"Based on what I heard last night, while still thoroughly enjoyin' this genre of music, the present incarnation of The Dead does not fulfill what I'm lookin' for when goin' to a Show. Which is elaboration within the individual songs, as well as the "musical linkage" from one tune to the next".

I feel the 2nd Set last night was rushed; to name two instances....one solo from Jimmy and none from Warren during "Low Spark"..."Good Lovin'" cut short just as they were headin' back into the 60's style theme. And there is precious little jammin' to be found anywhere...from song to song. Play a tune...bring it almost to a complete stop...play the next. To me, that AIN'T what the SPIRIT of this music is about. Under the guise of "The Dead", it seems what had drawn me back to the music live on November 10, 1999...is now SEVERELY lacking. And THAT'S a shame. There WERE some quite good moments, but most of them, for me, occured in the 1st Set, not in the 2nd. The "Jam">"Hard To Handle" and "'Til the Morning Comes" were a nice solid start, and things looked promising. "Alligator">"Mr. Charlie" halfway through the Set, sustained that promise...and the full "Weather Report">"Deal" drove home a pretty strong Set. The "Jam">"Shakedown" was also very solid, but after that there basically was no steppin' out. They played the songs. And while I like the songs...I'm lookin' for more than them just "playing the songs".

Phil and Phriends had brought back the "spirit of the jam"...where anything goes at any time. The Dead, from what I've seen...last Summer, as well as last night, simply does not perform that way. And why should they? The dynamics are certainly different from one to the other. Phil & Phriends and that "style" of playin' this music is BY FAR, more my cup o' tea, than "The Dead".

One other thing. Does Warren REALLY need the exposure of playin' solo between sets? He DOES play in TWO of the most historic Bands in American Modern Music history, as well as Gov't Mule. Wouldn't we, the audience, be better served when going to a Show which features an ensemble performance with Warren as ONE of the players, have him focus solely on that ensemble, rather than promoting himself? Just MY thoughts there.

As for the rest of last night...it was a plaesure as always seein' and partyin' with Daydream and Dan, Fritz, Sharon and JMoore, GreaterThan (missed YOU LT), Peggy-O, Jambear, Dan (the "Puckewe" variety), and meeting for the first time the lovely Peglet. Both the Toikey Boiger which Daydream bestowed upon me, as well as the Feast which Bucky and Mrs. B., with an assist on the Chicken Breasts from Geewiz, were wholeheartedly enjoyed.

And Jambear?

The next "Hurricane" to come up from the Tropics should be crowned...."Hurricane Jambear".

While I agree that the playing of songs on this tour has overtaken the need to jam, that is a clear after effect of what someone already said, they learned alot of tunes b4 this tour and are playing from a catalog of 110 songs or so. They even have busted out a few new tunes that they did not play on 1st leg including Big River @ the creek and others(Greatest Story comes to mind), Rushing of tunes is also evident especially in the 2nd set post D/S. I feel these criticisms, while not important enuff to influence my show experience, are at least partially correct. However, as someone else aptly pointed out, the playing is only half the story. The community is just as much responsible for the vibes as the band, the show experience is not in a vacumn with you the dead head and the band. As the Philster himself has pointed out on several occasions this tour during the now dreaded donor rap, we are why this music is still occuring. Us, the Heads, so why don't we review ourselves and see how we did each show. I've seen 5 shows this tour and am going to Charlotte>Atlanta, I loved all the time i got to spend with family, and the music. No it wasnt perfect, but you know what, my first show in louisville Ky in 1989, 5 of my friends got busted, the sound was horrible at the outdoor 40,000 seat stadium they played, and the show's setlist was short and crappy IMHO. As a 16 year old kid at my first show i was thinking it was gonna sound like europe 72! Im a wee bit wiser now! And this was a show way b4 jerry really went down hill 93-95. I still managed to see many shows after that and some were great, others were just OK, some were downright not so good, (Richfield 93 comes to mind, anyone else remember that blizzard, 1st night got cancelled, 2nd night was pretty crappy ala I fought the Law), But I always had a good time and returned.

Keyshawn, your observations about the lack of jamming in and especially between songs is what I'm amazed nobody seems to be talking about. After Friday night Great Woods, my comment to a group of folks was that they sound like "Phil and Friends covering Dark Star Orchestra versions of Grateful Dead songs." In other words, they play the songs really well (I absolutely love DSO, by the way), but they explore very little. They stop between tunes contstantly, even deep in the 2nd set. If I remember correctly, after space on Saturday in Great Woods they even came to a full stop before going into Dark Star. Or maybe it was Stella before DS, I forget. But they stop a lot. And that's ok, especially if you really like rock 'n roll style GD music (like DSO tends to play), but it's far different than the real spirit of GD music...

I bet the review was spot on, as they usually are with bucky. I thought bonnaroo was the absolute shit, but they did totally blow the second half of dark star (but what did I care since I was still glowing from the shine on) and a place or two in the first set lagged. Regardless, I left with a huge smile. If I had similiar health probs, and had a kid with autism, I bet I might be a bit bitter also.

If you pholks know any autistic kids, you know what I mean. If you don't, count yourself veeery lucky.

If songs vs. jams is the issue, I would definately take SONGS. Without Jerry, most of the jams these days don't really go anywhere anyway! Last nights show was incredible for the song selection and tight playing.

The first set was just first rate! All egos were in check and bobby and warren were in great voice. (Although warren is truly the only "gifted" vocalist onstage).

From the rockin' Hard to Handle to the beautiful WRS, they were very polished! Even Self Defense had me boppin'!

Second set Shakedown roared, even with bobby's "shake it down shake it down shake it down now". Best version I've heard since Jerry passed. Ramble on Rose is always a favorite of mine, with warren and bobby trading verses it really came to life. Easy Wind had great time changes with everyone really on top of the music. A great warren lead before the last chorus! Low Spark was highlight#1 of the show for me. Bobby's daughter was running out to daddy throughout the show, and during low spark, it looked like she was "adjusting" some of his pedals and switches. Whatever, it sounded great! Again though, it was Warren who made it happen, taking the music up a level during the solo. Good Lovin' was good, D/S short. Wharf Rat well done but not great. Then Box of Rain, excellently performed, with phil right on the money! great ending "...and a short time to be, to be, to be!" Then highlight#2, GLORIA. The intro was played, then repeated with more energy than I can remember seeing anywhere in recent shows. Bobby sang it great, and they rocked it out. His voice makes it through to the end of the show these days, because he dosn't try to sing all the songs!

Eyes started out great. The first verse with bobby/phil harmonizing sounded awesome, unfortunately, they could not recreate the tightness in subsequent verses. 1000 stars was a little bonus that segued better than I would have imagined. As soon as jimmy started playing the head, the rest of the band fell right in.

All in all a very satisfying and well needed show! I hope this latest conglomeration persists!

Too many songs, not enough music. Bob was clearly running the show last night and I think it really irritated Phil ... it's not that I couldn't hear those familiar bass riffs, but he didn't move two feet the entire night and his eyes were shooting darts in Bob's direction. anywho, on to my review ....

Jam>H2H ... nice start, but they didn't develop the intro enough. They launched into verse whereas I think the song is more effective when they jam it up - break it down - then build up into the first verse.

Am Comes ... loved it, harmonies were tight, the jam was very focused, but in the blink of an eye, it was over.

Loser ... flat, never took off. Really wanted to see Jimmy fly on this, didn't happen.

Self Defense .... I think it was Key who said it, Mickey tunes are made by the jams and they are much more tolerable if you listen to the music rather than the words ... this version however, was fairly standard.

Alligator ... very awkward, no flow. Either Warren flubbed the lyrics by missing his que or they severely fucked up the arrangement.

Mr. Chuck ... sweet, nice recovery. Warren belted this tune and the band was tight as a whistle.

WRS>P1>Let it Grow ... was hoping for a full on version and we got it. Bob on the woody prevented this tune from really taking off but kept it perfect for a hot muggy night in early August. I usually get on Bob for changing guitars too many times in on set, but to go electric for Let it Grow was the right move. Jam at the end was a little rough, but didn't spoil the entire suite.

Deal ... surprise! Wow, another song. Pretty standard though.

For me the first set was a series of mid level valleys with a few peaks. There wasn't one part of the first set that I didn't like or cringe at, but I also didn't feel that rush. There is so much talent on stage, I just wonder when they're going to unleash it.

Jam>Shakedown ... nice full version, tight and focused but probable timed out at around 6 or 7 minutes.

Ramble of rose ... excellent, tight, good harmonies. Love it when Bob's daighter runs on stage, but one of these days she is going to get clobbered and it ain't gonna be pretty.

Easy Wind ... pleasant surprise though there were a few rough patches. Again, it's like aligator, either warren missed his que or they ficked up the arrangement

Low Spark ... heard it a mile away, was so into it but like Bucky said, never took off sans a brief Jimmy jam between v1 and v2. Warren didn't do shit between v2 and v3 which he usually owns - see PLQ 12/3/03. Christ, listen to Low Spark with Stevie from Hartford last year ... all 19 minutes of it!

Good Luv ... odd placement given they went into D>S with this. Now I have to ask if it was needed? I initially thought they were going to end the show without drumz/space given this song started at 11:45 or so.

D>S .. short, space was more of an intro jam than anything

Wharf Rat ... heard a hint of Days Between, thank goodness it turned out to be Wharf Rat, but again, they stayed within the song as it never took off.

Box ... hooray, Phil decides to join the show. Vocals were really strong and he sounded very good. Would have loved to hear more on him tonight, but if he's only going to get one song, this is the one.

Gloria ... smoked but was rushed. No breakdown, no jam, just Bob trading lyrics with the audience.

Eyes>1000 Stars ... mellow, tight, could have done without the stars, but a pleasant surprise (eyes that is) indeed.

Overall, this band has all the potential and talent in the world, but they need to cut down on the set list and jam the tunes out. Lots of songs are good for that Fri/Sat crowd when the casual observer is likely to attend, but for a midweek show (always my favorite) just fucking let it loose man!

Given that this band is seemingly expected to play everything that everyone wants to hear, night in and night out, with unmatched intensity, precision and creativity, never playing what some may consider a "throwaway" tune (even though THEY may actually like the song or that nearly 60% of the band may need to rest and refresh their +/- 60 year old bodies), I'd have to say I'm pretty darn pleased at what I've seen thus far this summer at Red Rocks and Great Woods (didn't see Hartford, sorry for posting here...just some thoughts based on what I am reading). Forget that at various times throughout the history of the Gratfeul Dead- take 1972 for example, by most counts an historic year for the band- one would get tunes such as BIODTL, Ramble on Rose, Tennessee Jed, Promised Land, Deal, Loser, Casey Jones to name a few- 8 out of every 10 shows for a stretch. The Dead playing a lot of songs without transitions lately? Dig out some '71. Not only- in a watershed year- did they play nearly all songs without transitions in the first set, take a look at many second sets...not much different. Anyone either see or listen to many '80 or '81 shows? At one stretch they played Althea 17 of 20 shows, Sailor-Saint 12 of 14. Can you imagine getting Even So-October Queeen or Self Defense or All That We Are or A Piece for You...or Eyes or Playin' or Shakedown for that matter palyed that frequently today? Get enough Around & Around into Good Lovin/One More Saturday Night/JB Goodes to end the show in the eighties? How about US Blues or Don't Ease encore? With very few exceptions, a very large part of the Grateful Dead's approach was clear- first set songs, second set music. They admitted in the esarly 70's that the first set was merely a warm up. I won't even go to the post-Brent 90s where, although there were some fine shows scattered about, Jerry's health and such just didn't allow for extended periods of top form playing. Today, if there is one 'song' placed amongst a second set rocking, transitional, improvisational suite, there is outrage from somewhere. If the Eleven isn't as hot as one we saw 2 weeks before, or if the transition between Scarlet-Fire isn't as developed as it was....well, you get the point. I just want to lend some historical perspective which we are most likely all aware of but unfortuantely which many of us seem to forget or ignore. Am I happy about the truncated songs when the time constraints weigh on the band-no. I was in the 4th row at Great Woods and saw the look on Warren's face when Bobby stepped through what was a hot, building transition to take the mic and start Rider. I say f#!% the encore, ride the jam, offer the donor rap and call it a night. Sure, I am critical, as any fan of good music should be. But let's consider the lifetime's work which preceded this incarnation and not look through rose-colored glasses. We loved the Grateful Dead, warts and all, and those warts existed in various forms throughout their ever-changing, ever-evolving musical continuum. The beauty of their approach was that sometimes there was something ugly or forced on the way to something sublime. Considering the sheer number of shows the boys did, there is a relatively small (IMHO) number of shows that absolutely shined from beginning to end, if you dissect every song. Think about it. But we seemed to look more at the whole then, and revel in the incredible high we had when leaving the venue, having just witnessed something unique and powerful. I've left the shows this summer feeling pretty good about what I had just experienced, happy and lucky to even have the opportunity to see the old foursome rejuvenated by the younger guns and sustained by the loyal, obliging audience. Embrace the trainwrecks, folks, we ought to be used to it by now, having had nearly 40 years of historical exposure. I bet there was probably something pretty sweet just before and undoubtedly something pretty amazing around the next corner. Judging by the sea of people I saw at the great Woods show in mass delirium during St. Stephen (and others), I'm not alone. This is a good band and we should be happy to have the chance to make music with them, as Phil says. I'm not sure where to direct those who need things to be "just exactly perfect".

over 25 years ive personally seen this band grow,fall,re-group and keep on truckin'Its all in what you take from it that makes each show special in its own way.^^^read post above someone else has a "clue".Feel Lucky enough to be able to see them before .....its all just a daydream..Last nights show was real good show,as were the rest...Peace all

A few comments i was there last night and i have to say it was good not great. i thought it was very inconsistent.

HIGHLIGHTS 1ST SET HARD TO HANDLE( VERY GROOVEY) MR.CHARLIE( WARREN ON SLIDE!!!!!!!!) WRS>LET IT GROW( BOBBY REALLY NAILED IT) HIGHLIGHTS 2ND SET RAMBLE ON ROSE ( WARREN SINGING THIS IS WHATS ITS ALL ABOUT) LOW SPARK(AMAZING SONG) GLORIA( BOBBY HAD FUN WITH THIS ONE)

I FELT THAT THE TIL THE MORNING COMES, LOSER,DEAL,AND EYES WERE JUST NOT TIGHT AT ALL. I CANT REALLY PUT MY FINGER ON IT BUT I WAS ALITTLE UPSET ABOUT IT BUT THATS WHY YOU HAVE TO SEE THESE GUYS A BUNCH OF TIMES IN A TOUR. SOME NIGHTS GREAT ( SPAC 2ND SET) AND SOME JUST OK.

"...and now back to everybody's favorite band..... the absolutely perfect brothers band..............."

That was Bob, sometime back in the 70's.

In all due respect to all those frustrated by the band's choices, they are out there doing it!!!

They have committed to seeing this through and making the journey once again. We all need to be thankful for that.

Every concert experience is as much a product of what the individual concert goer brings-- as far as personal baggage, expectations, daily frustrations, marital issues, father of a teenage daughter fear syndrome (sorry, a personal note there), or whatever, as to what the nand plays and how tight they may be on any given night.

Our subjective experience of the art that is being created is specifically that, a SUBJECTIVE experience. Obviously there are going to be off nights-- there are for all of us, in whatever we do. What is great or grate about this band and what has always been grate about this band is that the whole experience is mearly a teeny bit of the larger reality of wherever it is that you are. Take a look around you when your at a show----- do you see the tin man? We make what it is by what we bring.

OK-- I long gave up on the idea of walking away from every show and taking only the positives-- Ive been to some clunkers. I can see the good and the bad but I also take the time to seperate unreal expectations going unmet from good critical listening. Active listening in a larger context. We all paint the picture, whats your look like

It's 5ish on Thursday and i still feel like its the morning after, as i have for the last two shows. Still digesting the festivities.

My head was a little filled with outside distractions last night, but a beautiful summer breeze filled the evening sky, and a there was no place i would have rather been last night, than out on the lawn, standing on a blanket with new and old friends.

The 1st set opened with an extremely short jam into a swinging and welcome Harrrrd to Handle, with Warren sounding perfect on this tune! Till the Morning Comes tends to make me wistful and thrilled simultaneosly:

..."Till we all fall down It'll do you fine Don't think about What you left behind The way you came Or the way you go Let your tracks be lost in the dark and snow"

and then along came a beautiful Loser, into Self defense, which has a catchy beginning, but for me, Mickey's vocals are often grating.

I'm not a Mickey hater, though. I admire him as a leading world rythym player, and for his attempts to bridge cultural/ethnic differences through the common language of percussion and music.

(As a sidenote, I believe that the Self Defense lyrics were written by Hunter with music from Mickey and Bobby. The song tells a story of both love and politics "gone awry" with a South African backdrop.)I think Mickey and Bembe Orisha played this a few years before The Dead did.

I know many people were excited to hear Alligator, but it didn't knock my socks off. Mr. Charlie, though, fun, rocking, funky!

Then, one of the highlights for me, Weather Report Suite, which someone around the blanket (peggy-O?) nailed, when they said that Bobby was simply IN the song, instead of "performing" a song. His guitar style and voice are just perfect for WRS, Let it Grow, etc.. I love the complexity of this suite.

Deal to close the set, and then before i had a chance to stretch, drink, chat, Warren came out. He did a beautiful set, although at that point I had a hard time trying not to be rude by talking, but it was the break, after all! I'm not a fan of people playing through the break.

Set 2 began with a Jam (shorter than i like) and then a KILLAH SHAKEDOWN~ can't wait to hear it again because it was a different kind of version.

Ramble on Rose had some very nice harmonies, and I got such a kick out of seeing mini-Bobby (his daughter in her princess dress) standing next to him on stage.

Easy Wind- For some reason i don't have a strong memory of this song. Don't know if it was me or them.

Low Spark I heard riffs of this very early on in the show, and told Peglet, but it disappeared until the second set! It was shorter than last year, but real, real nice.

Good Lovin- I can barely remember, so I sense I was fading at this point, and Drums/Space were good, but really not typical in length or intensity.

Wharf Rat is actually a favorite of mine, as i love the tale, and feel like I'm watching a movie of the story when i hear it. I enjoyed the hell out of this song.

Box of Rain...sweetly played, always welcome by me, and sung by Phil, which is music to my ears!

Then, a highlight for me, G-L-O-R-I-A!Sah-MOKIN! Gloria, I wanna to shout it every night, Gloria, I wanna to shout it every day(Did Van Morrison write this?)

And Eyes-- one of my favorite tunes, and I will always always be grateful to hear this, but from where I stood, this was a bit of a train wreck at times. The harmonies were just plain OFF between Phil and Bobby, and Bobby looked just plain peeved or pained. At least I think it was "Eyes" where this happened. I need to listen to the show I'm d/l right now.

Then, Night of 1,000 Stars, which was decent,but didn't seem to fit for some reason. The spaceship landed and delivered me happily and tiredly back to Hartford, CT.

This show i missed ROB BARROCO at more than almost any other show. I miss his smiling bobbing head with his ear to ear grin and enthusiastic playing and harmonies. Jeff doesn't do anything for my heart, although he certainly is a good keyboard player.

I have to echo the thought someone stated above in the thread that this was like a Phil Lesh and Friends show but missing Rob and lots of good jams. But, it TIS what it TIS, and I will see you in CAMDEN!

Really thoroughly enjoyed the show, or should I say the whole experience. Except Hartford's very own Keystone Traffic Cops...DON'T get me started!

Hung w/really fun great people, saw some old(ish) friends and met a bunch of new fun great people, it was a pleasure I might add, had an absolute 100% BLAST. From lot entry (again, don't get me started) at 4 pm till lights out at the Crowne Plaza at at 4 am.

Not gonna dissect the show as I don't do that very well, I'm mostly one of those rose-colored glasses kinda people, all I can say is once again I am blown away & I can't believe that after ALL these years I can still go see the guys I love more than almost anything and have for most of my life.

I'm surely not looking for perfection, don't actually think I'd even recognize it, don't have that discerning kind of ear. As CK so beautifully & eloquently stated earlier. That is not what this band has ever been to me nor will ever be to me, for me it's as much about the warm fuzzies and all that feel good stuff AS WELL AS the mind-bending jams. But hey that's just me.

I have still total respect for those more *critical*. When you love something so much, & you're so passionate about it, you just want them to perform to your standard of just how you think their standards should be. Nothing wrong w/that but it does set you up for big let downs...

It was great to see Peggy-O with her beautiful countenance, finally found my honey Jmoore in the parking lot (a cellphone holdout),Daydream and Dan-O and their smiles and energy, Fritzy and company (we missed Carla with him) KEyyyshawn () Peglet, my partner in crime, a quickie howdy to Greater Than, Dancedude and Company, Jambear and his traveling beverage bar, and the piece de resistance for me, was finally meeting noneother than Tapecat!!

I can say that finally meeting TC was worth the price of admission alone! From his giant hug to his various magic gizmos, TC kept me captivated all night, even though visiting was difficult while at the show. A highlight was checking out his book of art using a blacklight.. Hopefully, we can go to a Hookahfest or Hookahville or whatever its called, and hang with TC, TK, Kook, etc..

There sure is a lot of BS on this site. I've been to both SPAC and Hartford. Both shows make the short list. Got one word to say for both shows KILLER. A word from days gone by.

You all have seen the set lists. These guys rock, no matter what they play or how they play it. I caught an intense case of the happy feet in both the 1st and 2nd sets both nights. I can be as critical as the next guy and try to pick the boys apart but there is no good reason to. These guys have given me over 25 years of the best music, fun, friendships, obsessions, addictions, recovery and goosebumps that one man could ever ask for. I'm happy to have made these 2 shows and look forward to my next which may not be for a while. Oh well, I'll manage to keep them close somehow.

Go see them...have fun...listen...dance..enjoy..let them play what they will and take it for what it is...music...damn good music....open your mind...and you may walk away with more than what you came with....this kind of deal doesn't last forever....enjoy it while it's here...

>>>Funny how Bucky goes from the most hated man on the internet to hero just because I called him on his idiocy<<<

Mike you hit the nail on the head. Around here you're either an innie or an outie and I'm afraid that I fall in the latter category. Btw, the homophobia on this board is rampant.

However should you attain that pinnacle of greatness which is an innie you're above reproach. How the people on this board can put up with such blatant and arrogant condescension is beyond me.

I just call 'em as I see 'em and lurky has been itchin to dump on this show for months. And, anybody that stands on his seat and boos an artist is classless. I don't care if it's Barry Manilow, but if an artist lays out his soul for three hours you do not boo him.

Hey Mike W, wow, what a sack of horseshit. I don't understand why people go on and on and try to justify or more likely rationalize their point. I had the good fortune to meet Bucky last Thanksgiving Eve at the Oakdale, and after reading the rants and raves and the intense emotion his words seem to stir, I was apprehensive, but instead I met a very polite, kind father who just happens to worship a band we all love. He listens to the shows, anticipates the jams, makes comparrisons and ovservations, and though he may find flaws.. it's his opinion. It's the way he listens to the band. It was a very good an honest review of a band still feeling their way back to something real.. the fact that Mickey has to sing his song every night, the awkward balance of the Bobby and Jerry songs, and to some extent Bobby dealing with Jerry's ghost (my opinion) added with the fact that Phil, Bobby & Warren had really developed the group mind, have made this band very good with flashes of brilliance. But, it's my opinion on this. At shows I like to sit and watch and listen. I read a lot of stuff on this board, and if you believe that the people that post here are the sum off their words, than I have to think that Mike W is just a petty grump who thinks his opinion is the only one that counts and we are all asses who are not worthy to bask in the glow of his greatness. Because listening to the music and watching the band are just not enough and "50% of the experience is dancing with your brothers and sisters sharing a joint with someone" his quote. Now if I was negative, that's what I would write.. but since Mike W went to such lengths to justify his argument as to his hatred of Bucky.. well then, he must be right, because it's just his opinion. I'd take a ton of negative BUT constructive and informative reviews over the rantings of some godamn wookie who flips out about anyone saying anything negative about "his" band. I notice he kept responding to further posts, probably because he like seeing his name written up all nice and pretty. Excellent review Bucky.. keep the faith.

Homophobia, while maybe not rampant, is definitely seen on this board more than one would think, and certainly more than I like to see. The term "gay" is thrown around in many derogatory ways here. Unfortunately or not, it's just part of life in the Zone - like it is with life anywhere. Utopia does not exist - not even within a circle of deadheads. I'm sorry it sucks, but you'll have to get over it.

It seems like maybe a conscious decision on the Band's part to have fewer jams, and focus more on the craft of the songs on this tour. With the chemistry of last year's line-up especially, and sometimes the Phil and Bobby tug-of-war, the jams don't seem to work as well with the Dead as with Phil's band.

In a way it makes me optimistic about a PLF tour this Fall. Phil is letting the Dead have an identity that fits them, knowing full well that he'll have his chance to cut loose with the Quintet roadster in the Fall.

But I still think they're sounding great this year, and a nice step up from last year's tour.

You can only go into that type of detail if you sit through an entire show. And I have no respect for those who do. 50% of the experience is dancing with your brothers and sisters sharing a joint with someone, meeting new friends, travelling from one place to another, seeing old friends, seeing the remaining members smiling from ear to ear,eating a nice chocolate, havoing a burrito and beer after the show. I try not to be too critical of my boys. But I will when absolutely neccesary. They are more consistently tight now the they could have dreamed of 90 to 95

I was just sitting beside Mrs B as she read this thread & I guess I missed this post, or more likely, I just started skipping your assinine posts........

I won't being engaging in a pissing war, won't even look at this thread again, but just a few comments:

- Only YOU can decide what a proper show experience is for everyone including me?

- I danced at many a show & remembered them in the same detail as last night.

- I don't dance anymore because I DON'T WANT TO. Besides, I have a number of physical disabilities that make it impossible. Is that OK with you?

neihbors tell me of the light switch...where everybody had to vacate the seats in our section...so they could lower the rig and fix it...i missed it all...darn...i always miss the excitement

weather report...was nice...no complaints...i'm glad bobby brought back the entire suite...such a great work...really never heard a bad one...it's just one of those songs that even if you're not in the mood for it or you feel it's been overplayed...once it gets going the jam is just so killer

i thought the deal was out of place...bobby took one of those left turns right into it...and it didn't look as though the rest of the guys were ready for it...or into it at all...

there isn't any bad playing by this band...they are doing exactly as they said they would...straight up songs...little jamming...not really my favorite battle plan...i think they are doing it for several reasons...so everyone can get all the songs down...and to please the general crowd

even when they lack inspiration...they are tight as hell

warren came out as a tweener...i was pleasently surprised...i hadn't made his set all weekend...but that's when i noticed that the crowd was mostly amatures...loud mouth one nighters...just reacting to song recognition...warren was definetly in an emotional reflective mood...there were a lot of screamers...though it didn't seem to bother him much...few were really receptive to his sensitive frame of mind...bothered me more because i know how it sucks when the crowd is demanding something rather than accepting what is being offered by the artist...warren's a pro he just grins and shakes it off

2nd set opening jam was really good...but i was disapointed with the shakedown...good song...just kind of tired of the crowd pleasers...anyone could have predicted it...it was due...ok...rock the jam...and move on

easy wind...boom...it was great...first i've heard it by warren...it rocked...nice way to do it too...i love to sing that song...i'd like to see a differently choriographed beat change for the bridge...but i loved it...the ramble/easywind made my show so far...seeing that i missed the hardhandle/morning comes and the alligator/mr charlie

they did a beautiful build up for low spark...and warren's mood was even more obvious...he really slowed it down to a crawl...great singing on his part...and some new guitar inserts too...the crowd just wouldn't settle down to it though...a lot of screamers...hooting and hollering for no reason...a lot of talkers too...most were more concerned about getting beer than the sweet low spark that could have developed if they would have just would have mellowed out and grooved into it...

bobby came back with another crowd pleaser...good loving...it wasn't obnoxious though...i hadn't heard it in a while...and then on into drums...where i snuck out for a water...came right back though before it was over...i didn't really pay attention...but i always like drums...mickey seemed very excited...at one point he was kicking the beam with his foot...

space developed into a nice wharf rat that our whole section sat down for...enjoyable...can't relax like that to often

box...good selection...into the unexpected gloria...it was done very short...which was good...no need for a long gloria...of course there have been better versions played

eyes...great unexpected encore...they don't quite have the arrangement down yet...but it's developing very nicely...phil and bobby singing...warren joining at the chorous...bobby really worked hard reaching for a few great harmonies...then a night thousand stars to close...very good...it was an ok show

i like they way they are shuffling the set lists around looking for new ways that work to close the show...i really appreciate that

highlights for me were the rose/wind/spark and the space/rat/box as well as the eyes/night encore

the hard/morning and the alligator/charlie looked pretty good too...though i was late and missed them...decent show for me all in all

Godammit Bucky, it only took you 13 minutes to prove me right. How long until you're back again?

Well I know you won't be giving anyone dancing lessons, but I do find it amusing that you're telling someone else to learn some respect when you rarely respect anyone else's opinion here.

Anyway. I'll look forward to your next post, and btw, Key will let you know who #6 is, and I've been here a lot longer than just since 2003 you "Deader than Thou Master". I do like you, Bucky, I just wish you had an ounce of humbleness somewhere on your body.

There are so many comments I could respond to here but I will just answer buckys question about me that he refered to a third person. He asked who I was and because he didnt rcognize my name and whether i started posting in 2003 satcastically.

Yes Bucky I did start posting in 03 and do you know why ? Because of you and your evil little posse whose venom I had been reading here for years and the moment you and your ilk was run outta town i stepped in to save the day. I have hated you since at least 01 before i ever posted.

Well....the Hartford show had a lot of great energy. Tons of love and good vibrations! I hung with friends of friends I never met before but will keep in touch with. The show was not the best played show nor one with all my favorite songs, but GDTSTOO hooked me up with great seats and I felt the band really had a good time: Phil gave a beautiful talk about love and family and all the great folks in Hartford!

NOW!!!!!!

Why is the review thread laced with such hatred, vitrol and condesention? Sure, it's entertaing to follow the escalating anger toward one or another zoner, but please, we all are Garcia fans not Springer fans!

To start the Trip Kitten cooked up some mean Chicken Shiskys and then the Nurse & I were off to the Races. Leaving here I thought I was going to crash for the ride, but, toss 5 Red Bulls into this 150 frame and watch me talk your ass off! This is exactly what happened, so we roll into The ‘Cuse at about 4 in the morning and catch a quick nap before the festivities ahead. I had the pleasure of crashing in a 1965 Airstream that is in pristine condition, that was coooool fo sho!

Waking up I stumbled into the 100+ year old Farm House and meet my other trip companions. Before ya know it we were off to Hartford and I was buzzing with anticipation for the show. When we got there we checked into the Hotel and I was off to the venue to score a Ticket. While jogging to the gates I see Dan-O having a pic taken and I change couse……As I got up to them I saw Daydream and gave her a nice friendly little boot in the ass. She turns around to Kill somebody and sees that it’s me. A Cheshire Cat grin creeped across her face and the we shared a Big Ol Hug. Looking around I’m seeing a Bunch of Zoners:

Keyshawnsucks, Peggy-O, Fritzy, Muletaper, Jambear, Peglet, Snoey

Then someone says, Hey did ya see Althea? No! Where is she……Right behind you.

I turned around and saw here right away, what a pleasure it was to finally meet! It’s been a long time in the coming and was worth the trip alone. Then the bounus factor with Jay showing up, DAYUM we gonna have a GREAT TIME tonight!

I was havin such a great time in the lot that we were slow going in. Fritzy was on it though. He had like 3 or 4 blankets, which turned into 5 once DD & Dan-O showed up. Hell it was as big as my Dinning Room!

So…………………………………………WE ROCKED A PARTY!!!!!

Man in that first set……I was SHAKIN’ MY BONES!!!! The opening Noodle(Not a Jam) was Blah, then the Hard to Handle. This one although no where near the best I’ve seen got me REVVVVVVED UP! The TTMC…..Whooooo the ride just kept going.

Then Bam the wall Smack! Self Defence Ugggggggh! Then a Loser which was pretty nice but Ahhhh I wanna Boogie Down.

Alligator on Out took care of that MORE than adaquetly!!!! One note though Jeff Cheapamanti is pretty uninteresting and when they threw him a Bone with a verse on Deal………………………….Man did he BLOW IT!!!

During the Set Break, More Zoner Fun, I was bouncing around talking and sharing with everyone. Man I’m telling ya hanging with this crew was worth the price of admission alone! The fact that theres a show too……Come on forget about it Even if the show is Sub-Par your still gonna have a great time! In the Second set things were pretty Helter Skelter……As has been mentioned there were time cinstrains and the way they used the time was, ahhh Bizzar! Then is no Doubt that things were rushed and then the Biggie Encore? Odd to say the least..

The Noodly opener was ok, the Shakedown was a Blast with friends getting down together but ahh on the tape we’ll see. Ramble on Rose was perty sweet. Then the Easy Wind……This was maybe MY highlight from the second set. Going into the Low Spark I was Psyched but it was a bit slow and certainly short. For my taste they could have left the Good Lovin right out for a longer Low Spark for Sure.

Drumzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz>Space was ZONER TIME

The Wharf Rat was Nice love Warren singing it, and Ditto for the Box Of Rain! The Gloria…….Nirvana for Bobby lovers, but man for me, the cheese meter was so far in the Red it cracked the glass and steam was pumping out.

Then it was Donor Rap and Encore time. I was thinking that it’d be short, but that weren’t the case Boom……..Eye’s into 1000 stars. That was Reeeeeaaaaaallllll Nice!

I’m gonna wrap up by sayin, DAMN I love seeing shows at Hartford! Damn I DIG the Zoners…Thank you all for a real good time!!!!!!!

I don't think there were curfew issues @ this venue - I'd seen Red Hot Chili Peppers on a Mon night and their set didn't start 'till 11:30 and went 'till after 1 am - it's all a matter of how much the band wants to pay the staff for overtime - other venues like Mansfield and Montage have curfews for noise reasons, ie, they are surrounded by middle/upper class neighborhoods. the Meadows (and Camden) are surrounded by "people of color" - there you go!

The only things I can add to the above reviews, now that it's almost a week later, is that the space - Wharf Rat was really well done and thorough, with Phil laying down some nice bombs during the space/jam - this was the strongest part of the show - pre-drums was pretty weak (other than Easy Wind which I'd been jonesing to hear and was done very well) - 1st set was decent not great - again, as with the Mansfield Standing On the Moon, really don't wanna hear Bobby singing (and forgetting the lyrics to) stuff that Warren does SO MUCH BETTER (ie, Hard 2 Handle, Shakedown). This show ended up clocking in at over 3 hours of music thanx to some intense playing post-drums. This was opposite the 1st Mansfield show when they thoroughly explored the pre-drums then rushed thru post drums.

Overall, I'd rate this show better than either of the Mansfield shows but not as good as SPAC.

A quote from above:

"I hate negative people"

EH?

Also, I gotta know, will the cd's TaperRob sends Bucky be made with his CrapHeiser mic's?

And I woulda hung with ya post show, Bucky, but I had some, ahem, "shopping" to do in the Shakedown!